ITASCA, IL--(Marketwired - September 15, 2016) - Flexera Software, the leading provider of next-generation software licensing, compliance, security and installation solutions for application producers and enterprises, announced the latest release of InstallShield®, the industry standard for development teams creating installers for Windows desktops, servers and cloud platforms. As highlighted in the keynote address at Microsoft Build 2016, InstallShield 2016 enables the transition to Microsoft's Desktop Bridge (formerly known as Project Centennial) and Windows Server Apps (WSAs) with automatic compatibility tests and continuous build capabilities.

"Microsoft's Windows 10 Anniversary Update includes the Desktop Bridge, which enables existing desktop apps and games to be converted to use the modern Windows app packaging format. These converted apps offer cleaner installs, uninstalls and updates, and can be enhanced with Universal Windows Platform capabilities such as Live Tiles, Cortana and push notifications," said Kevin Gallo, Corporate Vice President for the Windows developer platform at Microsoft. "We are thrilled that developers can now use InstallShield 2016 to distribute their existing apps and games through the Windows Store or existing distribution methods and access Universal Windows Platform capabilities."

"Software vendors need the flexibility to support new technologies for Windows 10 and Windows Server, while still supporting Windows 7 and Windows 8 with MSI installers," said Maureen Polte, Vice President of Product Management at Flexera Software. "Working in parallel with Microsoft, we are making it easy for our customers to transition their existing InstallShield MSI projects to build Universal Windows Platform and Windows Server App packages. InstallShield is the only product that enables developers to test their apps for compatibility with the Desktop Bridge and WSAs -- saving countless hours of time, effort and investigative work."

New Feature Highlights

Tests Apps for Compatibility with UWP and WSA App PackagesScans an InstallShield project in seconds and saves hours of investigative work by automatically identifying potential compatibility issues between the application and Microsoft's Desktop Bridge and WSA packages.

Creates UWP App Packages from MSI ProjectsPrepares apps for the Windows Store and simplifies the software installation experience on Windows 10 by building UWP app packages from existing InstallShield projects. Builds Windows Installer and UWP app packages to support all deployment scenarios.

Combines Multiple UWP App Packages into OneDevelops installations in modules for easier deployment and maintenance, and merges the components and dependencies at build time into a single UWP app package for the Windows Store. For direct distribution outside of the store, InstallShield 2016 bundles UWP app packages and other dependencies together with a Suite/Advanced UI installer.

Maps MSI Table RelationshipsDevelopers gain insight into how MSI tables are related for more precise editing and troubleshooting, and quickly see how those changes will impact the installer to reduce unintended consequences of manual table editing.

Flexera Software helps application producers and enterprises increase application usage and security, enhancing the value they derive from their software. Our software licensing, compliance, cybersecurity and installation solutions are essential to ensure continuous licensing compliance, optimized software investments, and to future-proof businesses against the risks and costs of constantly changing technology. A marketplace leader for more than 25 years, 80,000+ customers turn to Flexera Software as a trusted and neutral source of knowledge and expertise, and for the automation and intelligence designed into our products. For more information, please go to: www.flexerasoftware.com.